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THE ABOLITIONIST'S DAUGHTER by Kathleen Mahar INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!

Deb here, with a special guest! I've long admired Kathy's writing since I first enjoyed Bachelor Buttons and I expected great things from her first full length novel. She delivered!

The Abolitionist's Daughter reads like top-notch historical fiction but carries both a gentle romance thread and a touching inspirational message. The story is told in third person with three point-of-view characters. It's hard to say what shines most here, because Kathy's impeccable touch with details should impress any historical fan, particularly those who favor Civil War fiction. There's no rushing here, but not once did the story falter on the way to the touches of romance. This is the kind of book that comes from an author who truly loves their setting, and touched me with its reminder of just how young our soldiers are and have been throughout the ages. How on earth do they and their families recover?

I strongly recommend this award-winning book!

Deb: Kathy, at what age or incident in your life did you
think you'd like to be an author?

Kathy: I was the youngest of
five children, and always waiting for my turn to talk at the dinner table. It
never came. Hahaha So I figured out at some point that if I was going to
communicate, that I should try writing. I found it validating to be heard, even
if I was the only one listening at first. I met friends in grade school who
loved to create stories and we banded together into a sort of writing group. I
loved their creative energy and we encouraged one another to finish stories. We
never worried about grammar or spelling, but just focused on plot twists and
strong ideas. I’m still great friends with one of those girls, forty years
later.

Deb: It's been awhile since your debut (Bachelor
Buttons!), and now you have two new releases! What are you working on now?

Kathy: Yes, life can demand
your full attention in some seasons, and I had to leave some projects on hold
while my incredibly strong mother’s health declined, and she faded from this
life. Two years after her passing I am still processing the impact of her
presence and her absence. I think one of these days I will tell her story, but
until I am ready for that, I have a powerful sequel to The Abolitionist’s
Daughter to edit, and some proposals out that would be lovely to contract. I
also have a new idea that needs more brainstorming, but it’s got me excited about
writing again. It feels really good to be back.

Deb: What surprised you in your research or writing
journey as you were working on The Abolitionist's Daughter?

Kathy: I am always surprised
and delighted when the characters start telling me about themselves, like who
they are and what they want. And then, when the story starts speaking to me and
forming out of the dry text of history like Adam from the dust as God breathed
His breath of life into him, then I know it is inspired and meant for a
purpose. That spark of life, of divine message, is what I write for. We all
know that quote in Chariots of Fire that Eric Liddel, The Scottish Olympic gold
medalist, says? “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” Yeah, it’s like that. Only
with a laptop. 😉

The
Abolitionist’s Daughter1860-1864 Shenandoah Valley, and Elmira, NYWhen
a fiery social crusader interrupts a slave auction, a horse trader and his twin
brother are set on a collision course with war—brother against brother. Can the
passion that severed ties inspire a love strong enough to overcome hate?

Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and
fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a
novella releasing with BARBOUR in the 2018 Victorian
Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York.
Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons,
blends her Irish heritage and love of the American Civil War. She won the 2012
ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War story, releasing this summer under a new
title The Abolitionist’s Daughter.
Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband,
children, and a small zoo of rescued animals.

Kathy: Thanks so much for having me today, Deb. I look forward to interacting with your
readers, and today I am giving away a copy of The Abolitionist’s Daughter to one lucky commenter. Winner’s
choice of format, (ebook or print--US residents only.) To enter, please share this post on social media and let us
know where you shared. The more shares, the more entries! Please
be sure to leave your email in your entry so you can be notified if random.org
selects your entry.

In
addition,I am hosting a rafflecopter to be drawn at the conclusion
of my blog tour just before Thanksgiving, with several prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card,
a print copy of each of my books, and a Christmas goodie basket. Be sure
to follow each stop on the tour to increase your chances of winning! (US
residents only.)

Comments

I didn't quite plan this, but it's fun to know that Kathy is also one of the authors on yesterday's post (with giveaway). I hope Kathy doesn't mind me saying that I want to call this book historical fiction foremost, but I don't want readers who want romance to be unsure. It definitely includes a TON of emotion to pull the heart strings!

I thought I left a comment at seven this morning but I don’t see it. But I wanted to tell you thank you so much for having me here and I can’t wait to interact with your readers. Looking forward to see the wonderful new home my book will go to :-)

Blessed to be mentioned in your book! I would Beta Read for you anytime Kathleen.I would love to win a signed copy to keep , then I can share with Mom... PS; Shared this on my socials !HugsLinda Marie FinnFaithful Acres Booksfaithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

Hi, Kathleen! Your book looks like something I would definitely enjoy reading! Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy! I'll be sharing this giveaway on my FB page:) Thanks, again, and God bless! Lual Krautter krautter12ATbresnanDOTnet

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